2018 Ford Explorer

<p>The 2018 Ford Explorer is available in five trim levels, which are base, XLT, Limited, Sport, and Platinum. From the outside, the base trim comes with 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, automatic headlights, power-adjustable and heated side mirrors with integrated blind spot mirrors, black accents, LED taillights and low-beam headlights, and dual chrome exhaust tips. With the XLT, you'll get LED signature lighting, roof rails, and chrome exterior accents. </p> <p>The midlevel Limited trim comes with a hands-free liftgate, auto-folding side mirrors with driver memory settings, LED fog lights, and chrome rails. With the Sport, features include black roof rails, chrome quad exhaust tips, and a glossy black front grille. At the top of the options, the Platinum trim boasts automatic high beams, satin chrome exterior accents, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. </p>

Beneath the hood of the lower two trim levels of the 2018 Explorer, you'll find a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. Both trim levels are also available with an upgraded 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which produces 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This turbocharged engine is standard in the Limited trim. Choose the Sport or Platinum trim to get a 3.5-liter turbocharged V-6, which rates at 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. All three engines pair with a six-speed automatic transmission.

If you choose one of the lower three trim levels of this SUV, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available as an option. The upper two trim levels are only available with all-wheel drive. Fuel economy estimates for the base engine are 16-17 mpg in the city, 22-24 mpg on the highway, and 18-20 mpg combined, based on front-wheel versus all-wheel drive. The 2.3-liter engine gets an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, for a combined estimate of 18 mpg.

<p>Climb into the 2018 Explorer base trim to find four 12-volt power outlets, a six-speaker sound system with a USB port, Ford's Sync infotainment system with voice controls, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and cloth upholstery. The XLT comes with satellite radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cloth upholstery. In the middle of the pack, the Limited trim adds leather-trimmed upholstery, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a premium 12-speaker Sony sound system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, and navigation. </p> <p>The Sport trim level tacks on firmer suspension tuning and perforated leather upholstery with red accents. At the top of the list, the Platinum has a better sound system and a twin-panel sunroof. </p>

Every 2018 Ford Explorer comes with a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, and air bags throughout the cabin. The XLT adds rear parking sensors, while the top trim comes with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, enhanced park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.